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Fred Howard Beach Off-Limits Until Fall Of 2009

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: July 19, 2008

A popular waterfront attraction, the county's Fred Howard Park Beach, will be off-limits to visitors for slightly more than a year, starting after Labor Day.

At 1700 Sunset Drive, off Florida Avenue, the 155-acre park is the second most used in the county's park system, according to county officials.

The beach and its scenic causeway will be closed until October 2009, so the county can replace the two existing bridges that have exceeded their lifespan, said Meg Korakis, a county communications department spokeswoman.

Once completed the new bridges will feature wider travel lanes with shoulders and sidewalks on both sides, she said.

While similar to the former bridges, the design of the new structures will reduce the number of pier supports, increasing waterway views. The lifespan of the bridges will be increased to 75-years, using a modern concrete mix with additives to combat the extremely corrosive saltwater environment, she explained.

"Restoring access to this popular beach and recreational area is our top priority," said Peter J. Yauch, Pinellas public works director. "Barring any unforeseen delays," the hope is to reopen the causeway and beach by late October 2009, he said.

More than 50 acres of the mainland portion of Fred Howard Park will remain open during construction.

The landside portion of the park includes; 90 picnic tables, nine shelters with tables and grills, walking paths, two playgrounds, a ball field and kayak access.

Tarpon Springs, city-owned, Sunset Beach on Gulf Road will serve as a smaller local alternative to those who want to experience the sand and surf.

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